Fierce Compassion

In this powerful season finale of Fierce Compassion , hosts Roxy Manning and Sarah Peyton turn inward to reflect on the urgent questions facing us in these turbulent times: How do we stay human in the face of inhumanity? Where do we put our life energy? And what does fierce compassion look like when we’re stretched thin? With honesty, humor, and heart, Roxy and Sarah share personal stories of grie...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion , we listen in on a powerful coaching conversation between Roxy and Savanah, who reflect on a painful rupture in a once-trusted relationship. Savanah shares what it was like to experience a microaggression from someone she thought was a close friend. Together, they unpack the layers of hurt, power, and self-doubt that followed—and what it might mean to speak up...

In this special coaching episode of Fierce Compassion , Roxy and Prabha reflect on the challenges of engaging in hard conversations with presence and care. They explore how recognizing emotional responses and making space for dialogue can foster deeper understanding. Together, they examine the importance of holding grief, pausing when needed, and navigating conflicting strategies with intention. T...

In this special episode of Fierce Compassion , we invite you into two deeply moving live coaching sessions with Sarah Peyton. First, we meet Ouida, who longs to show up authentically with her father and son, yet finds herself caught in patterns of silence shaped by childhood and generational agreements. Through Sarah’s resonant coaching, she begins to reclaim her voice. Then, Lara courageously exp...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion , we welcome Shilpa Jain, former executive director of YES!, to explore the art of deep listening, conflict transformation, and participatory leadership. Shilpa shares how her upbringing in a tight-knit Jain community shaped her understanding of interdependence and belonging. We discuss how storytelling fosters connection across divides, the importance of co-cr...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we welcome Christine Saxman. Christine is a racial equity facilitator, coach, and co-author of Being White Today: A Road Map for a Positive Anti-Racist Life . Christine shares her journey from classroom teacher to a full-time anti-racism educator. We explore the role of self-compassion in navigating mistakes, the power of loving accountability, and the challen...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, community leader Ben McBride shares his journey from experiencing both love and othering in his San Francisco upbringing to becoming a bridge-builder between divided communities. Drawing on his work with law enforcement, community violence intervention, and diverse faith communities, McBride offers a compelling vision for moving beyond political polarization t...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, cultural geographer and storyteller Carolyn Finney illuminates the intricate relationship between race, nature, and belonging. Drawing from her journey from actor to environmental justice advocate, Finney explores how storytelling can bridge divides and create more inclusive understandings of nature. She challenges conventional narratives about outdoor spaces,...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we explore the transformative power of anti-racism work with Rainbow Markell , an educator whose journey spans decades of early childhood education and diversity training. From awkward fourth-grade moments to profound realizations about intergenerational trauma, Rainbow shares candid insights that will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe tear up. She offers pra...

In this thought-provoking episode of Fierce Compassion, we are joined by Tiokasin Ghosthorse , a member of the Itazipcola and Mnicoujou Lakota of the Sakowin Oyate and the founder of First Voices Radio. Ghosthorse challenges our understanding of language, activism, and our relationship with the Earth, offering insights into Indigenous perspectives that transcend conventional Western thinking. He e...

In this powerful episode of Fierce Compassion, we sit down with acclaimed Indigenous author Monique Gray Smith to explore the transformative power of storytelling in healing intergenerational trauma and fostering reconciliation. Smith shares insights from her diverse body of work, from children's books to young adult non-fiction, highlighting how stories can bridge cultural divides and nurture emp...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, author and somatics trainer Staci Haines illuminates how our bodies hold both personal and societal trauma, and how somatic practices can transform our relationship to change-making. Through exploring core human needs for safety, belonging, and dignity, Haines reveals how polarization and political trauma live in our bodies – and how we can work with these emb...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we explore the intersection of climate change, reproductive choices, and racial justice with Dr. Jade Sasser . Drawing on her research for Climate Anxiety and the Kid Question , Dr. Sasser illuminates how feelings about the climate disproportionately affect communities of color and impact decisions about having children. She challenges dominant narratives arou...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we delve into the transformative power of nonviolence with Kit Miller , Director Emeritus of the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Miller shares insights from her new book, "Culture Shift: Nonviolence at Work," exploring how principled nonviolence and restorative practices can address systemic racism and foster Beloved Community. Drawing on her experience...

Welcome to Season 3 of Fierce Compassion! To kick off the season, we look back on the year since publishing our book, "The Antiracist Heart," and share what we’ve been thinking and learning around navigating shame, owning our power, and healing the wounds within us and between us. We offer insights on the importance of nourishing ourselves through self-care and inner work, and explore our evolving...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we discuss growing infrastructure in Indigenous communities with Forest James, an entrepreneur, artist, developer, and enrolled citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation. James explores how his diverse experiences in the arts, technology, and business shape his unique approach to bridging Indigenous and Western practices. He emphasizes the critical role of cult...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we delve into the fierce vulnerability of Beloved Community with nonviolence and restorative justice practitioner Kazu Haga. Drawing on stories of transformation and reconciliation, Haga demonstrates our human capacity to transmute even the deepest harms through fierce vulnerability. Together we explore the fractal relationship between personal and systemic ch...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion we delve into the nuances of mindful travel and finding compassion in discomfort with speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant Dr. Anu Taranath. Dr. Anu offers insights into navigating discomfort and embracing empathy across borders. Her experiences and stories challenge us to reflect on our roles in a complex world, fostering deeper connections...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we discuss threats to libraries and the liberative power of books with Gavin Downing , a dedicated educator and librarian. Downing is an inspired advocate for the capacity of books to offer inspiration and accompaniment to young people, especially those with marginalized identities. In this conversation, Downing shares his experience fighting book bans, emphas...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we're thrilled to welcome Dr. Darlene Hall , a distinguished psychologist, consultant, educator, athlete, and author of Youth Development Theory & Practice: Integrating a Trauma Framework - A Social Justice Approach . Dr. Hall delves into her personal and professional journey, exploring the multifaceted role of self-compassion in dismantling systemic o...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we explore the intricate relationship between spontaneity and anti-oppression with psychotherapist, author, and educator, Dr. Leticia Nieto . We learn how Dr. Nieto’s work with psychodrama has helped cultivate a deep understanding of the role of spontaneity in breaking down entrenched social patterns and contributing to anti-oppression practices. Dr. Nieto sha...

On this episode of Fierce Compassion, we welcome Lillian Hsu , a school designer, teacher, coach and education innovator. Hsu shares her insights on integrating empathy into the foundations of educational methodologies and the profound impacts this can have on students’ engagement and sense of belonging. We’re offered a unique perspective on how compassion and community-focused learning can nurtur...

In this Fierce Compassion episode, we explore connections between nonviolence, decolonization, and intergenerational healing with Meenadchi , a somatic healing practitioner, communications expert, and author. We delve into Meenadchi's work, Decolonizing Nonviolent Communication (DNVC), and discover the ways her heritage has shaped her approach to healing intergenerational trauma and promoting...

In this episode of Fierce Compassion, we're joined by Rajkumari Neogy , an expert in using neurobiology and empathy to cultivate inclusion, safety, and community in the workplace. Neogy discusses the vital role of self-compassion and authentic self-expression in the corporate world. Together we explore the profound impact of epigenetics on executive functioning and the importance of inclusivit...

In this Fierce Compassion episode, we welcome Kobe Skolnick and Aziz Abu Sarah , friends and colleagues from Israel and Palestine, discussing their journeys from radicalization in youth to embracing peace. They share their personal experiences and transformations, touching on topics like self-compassion, storytelling, and understanding the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Their wo...